Scale Model Terminology And Other Background Information

A brief glossary for the amateur hobbyist:

Curbside

A name given to a model kit or promotional model with limited details or features. That is, it has no opening hood, doors or trunk.

Die-Cast

A name given to a model kit or pre-assembled model that is made from metal using a die casting process. On some models, this only involves the body. Others (such as Brooklyn models) die-cast the entire exterior and interior of the model.

Flocking

A material that looks like lint and comes in several colors, flocking is used to simulate cloth or fabric textures in a model.

Foil

A very thin metal foil with an adhesive back which is carefully placed on a model's feature in order to make it appear like chrome, aluminum, or even black ABS plastic. This material comes in the previously mentioned finishes, and adds a tremendous amount of realism to any model.

Kitbashing

A term used for making customized models, using parts from one or more model kits for the final result.

Photo-Etching

A process of "printing" very fine details in scale from an original item. Usually photo-etched parts are made with a laser cutting through a very thin piece of stainless steel (or some anodized metal). The level of detail from these parts makes a scale model stand out from the rest of the crowd. From emblems and grilles, to ignition keys, door handles and even hinges, there is no limit to what can be enhanced in a model with photo-etched parts.

Promo

Short for Promotional Model, promos are already assembled replicas (usually in 1/25th scale) that were produced by model companies for automotive dealers. These models are usually curbside replicas, and some incorporate friction drives at the rear axles. Promos have been known to exist in one medium or another through the years, but the golden age belongs to the plastic promo from the mid 1950's to the mid 1970's. Their value has risen in recent years due to rarity. A majority of these models were purchased as gifts for children, so fine condition surviving examples are very hard to come by. There is a caveat for the buyer of these models. Beware of counterfeit reproductions, and re-released models. These do not hold the same value, and are sometimes presented as original items. As with anything that merits collecting, the collector should take time in researching their subject before investing.

Resin

Polyurethane Resin is the medium for these types of models, usually cast by small private enterprises. Resin models require additional care in preparation and assembly - a process recommended for hobbyists with advanced assembly skills. Some of these resin models are offered already finished with many fine details by exclusive small volume manufacturers.

For scale models of cars, there is a good likelihood that they will be found in the following scales for the following materials: